Mahabharata, Epic of the Bharatas

Book III. Rajasuya (The Imperial Sacrifice) – 31
Archer Karna – braver archer none there is of mortal birth –
Learnt his arms from Par’su-Rama, he who slew the kings of earth!
Wherefore then to unknown Krishna render we this homage free:
Saintly priest, nor wise preceptor, king nor foremost chief is he!”
VI. Sisupala’s Fall
[233] Tiger-hearted Sisupala spake in anger stern and high,
Calm unto him Krishna answered, but a light was in his eye:
“List O chiefs and righteous monarchs! from a daughter of our race
Evil-destined Sisupala doth his noble lineage trace,
Spite of wrong and frequent outrage, spite of insult often flung,
Never in his heart hath Krishna sought to do his kinsman wrong!
Once I went to eastern regions, Sisupala like a foe
Burnt my far-famed seaport Dwarka, laid the mart and temple low,
Once on Bhoja’s trusting monarch faithless Sisupala fell,
Slew his men and threw him captive in his castle’s dungeon cell.
Once for holy aswamedha Vasudeva sent his steed,
Sisupala stole the charger, sought to stop the righteous deed,
Once on saintly Babhru’s consort, pious-hearted, pure and just,
Sisupala fell in madness, forced the lady to his lust,
Once Visala’s beauteous princess went to seek her husband’s side,
In her husband’s garb disguised Sisupala clasped the bride,
This and more hath Krishna suffered, for his mother is our kin,
But the sickening tale appalleth, and he addeth sin to sin!
One more tale of sin I mention: by his impious passion fired,
To my saintly wife, Rukmini, Sisupala hath aspired,
As the low-born seeks the Veda, soiling it with impure breath,
Sisupala sought my consort, and his righteous doom is Death!”
Krishna spake; the rising red blood speaks each angry hero’s shame,
Shame for Chedi’s impious actions, grief for Sisupala’s fame!